DOZY Rio Ferdinand turned up for training with Manchester United yesterday - and was promptly told he had the day off.

Forgetful Ferdinand, who was banned for eight months after missing a drugs test, thought he was due in for a session at United's Carrington complex. But the England defender, who revealed his gaff at a store opening in Manchester yesterday, was told he had a rare day off.

Embarrassed Ferdinand said: "I turned up for training as normal but when I got there I was told I had the day off.

"I didn't know I had the day off and thought I was training as normal."

A United spokesman confirmed some players were off while others were allowed to leave training early.

Ferdinand, who was axed from the England side following a series of poor displays for club and country, also revealed his dubious choice in television programmes.

The 26-year-old revealed his daily routine to hundreds of fans during a personal appearance at the city centre store and admitted he likes nothing better than slumping in front of the afternoon TV.

Ferdinand said: "In the morning I always have coco pops for my breakfast with bananas and then strawberry yogurt. Then I go into training where I always have my left ankle strapped to make sure I don't injure it. It's just something I always do.

"When I get home in the afternoon I just like to watch TV. I watch that programme Loose Women and sometimes Trisha. I just watch whatever's on."

Ferdinand's United team-mate Ryan Giggs will have plenty of time to watch day-time TV after being ruled out for up to two months.

The winger underwent surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone suffered in a clash during the midweek Champions League game against Lille.

He will be missing for six to eight weeks and his loss is a massive blow to boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who already has seven first-team players injured, including skipper Roy Keane and full-backs Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze.

Giggs had only made three starts this season before he was injured but his enforced absence will leave Fergie short of personnel.